Urbanization and migrant workers: Assessing social risks and crafting preventive strategies in eastern China for sustainable development

Abstract

This study explores the social risks associated with the urbanization of migrant workers, using the Eastern part of China as a case study. Ten key risk factors were identified: social integration, urban living environment, rural land withdrawal, political participation, social network, social psychology, rural social contact, family relationships, urban enterprise employee insurance, and rural land role cognition. Among these, social integration risk, social network risk, rural social contact risk, and family relationship risk emerged as the most significant contributors to the overall risk profile. Risk assessments show consistent results, regardless of whether individual characteristics were controlled, highlighting the widespread nature of these challenges. A central risk scenario is the “urbanization dilemma,' where migrant workers face barriers to full urban integration while losing rural ties. This dilemma is driven by government policies, enterprise practices, and individual circumstances, leading to potential outcomes such as social disharmony, labor-capital conflicts, and risks of land loss and unemployment. To address these risks, a dual strategy of pre-prevention and post-control is proposed. Pre-prevention measures include promoting social integration, reforming land policies, and strengthening community support systems. Post-control focuses on conflict resolution, reskilling programs, and ongoing monitoring. These interventions aim to enhance social resilience, ensure migrant well-being, and foster sustainable urbanization.